NRACT Shines Like the Sun with 9 to 5 the Musical!

A few weeks ago, I told my parents that I would do anything to see 9 to 5 the Musical.  After years of seeing the movie and listening to the original cast recording, I was ready to see the show outside of a few youtube videos.  A random Facebook ad led me to hear about a local production of the show. Well, I did say I would do anything.

     

                                                            Photo courtesy of nract.org.

I was not expecting to be blown out of my seat by the sheer talent, force, and heart of North Raleigh Arts and Creative Theatre's production.

In 2009, Dolly Parton's musical, 9 to 5, opened on Broadway and earned fifteen Drama Desk Award nominations and four Tony Award nominations.  The show starred Allison Janney (NBC's The West Wing, CBS's Mom), Stephanie J. Block (The Boy From Oz, Wicked), Megan Hilty (NBC's SMASH, Wicked), and Marc Kudisch (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Thoroughly Modern Millie).  While the production was short-lived, it certainly lived on among Dolly and Broadway fans.

Video courtesy of ABC via youtube.

Directed by James Ilsley, NRACT's production brings together some of the area's most talented to bring the show to life.  It should be noted that, unlike other groups, the cast and crew are volunteers - simply coming together to share their love of performing with each other and their audience.

    

               Mary Reilly, Mary Beth Hollmann, and AC Donohue as Judy, Violet, & Doralee. Photo courtesy of nract.org.

The show stars Mary Beth Hollmann, AC Donohue, and Mary Reilly as Violet, Doralee, and Judy respectively.  Alongside them, Bill Andrews plays Mr. Frank Hart, Natalie Turgeon plays Roz Keith, and David Kerman as Joe.  I cannot say how talented every person in the cast is; all have powerful voices that bring down the house in every number.  

A show like 9 to 5 requires a big cast to help carry the musical numbers, but the 18 performers in this production are the epitome of the phrase "less is more."  From the  beginning, a video of Dolly Parton leads the cast through the tale of three women who begin to fight back against their egotistical boss. The same video continues throughout the show providing the audience with a sense of location, as the sets are limited.  Following Dolly's lead, the cast brings audience members into the offices and homes of the characters.

Overall, the production is nothing short of stellar.  As mentioned, everyone involved is a volunteer - simply in it because they care.  It is rare to see a live show in which everyone is performing simply for the joy of performing.  Yes, the singers and actors are talented, but the passion is what makes this show shine like the sun!

9 to 5 runs until July 26!  Get your tickets now!

Be sure to like NRACT on Facebook, twitter, and instagram!  Also, check out their website for information about the rest of the season!

People's Choice Awards 2015

The 41st Annual People's Choice Awards awarded today's most popular shows, movies, and stars live from the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles.  Mom stars Anna Faris and Allison Janney hosted the show. The biggest stars of today were in attendance for the event which was kicked off by a sub-par monologue from the hosting duo which included them poking fun at their being asked to host.

The night included performances from Lady Antebellum ("Freestyle"), Fall Out Boy ("Centuries"), and Iggy Azalea ("Beg For It"). Wacky antics took place throughout the show by the hosts as well as the presenters, some including the use of selfie sticks, calling their moms and backup dancers that were incredibly unnecessary. It would also appear that Walgreens was a participating sponsor or a lot of people in attendance are individually employed as spokespeople.

Some of the night's big winners were Stana Katic who took home awards for Favorite TV Crime Drama and Favorite TV Dramatic Actress (and queen of the red carpet), and Big Bang Theory which took home Favorite TV Show and Favorite Network TV Comedy. Adam Sandler took home his ninth career PCA for Favorite Comedic Movie Actor.  Ben Affleck was presented with the Choice Humanitarian Award for his work with Eastern Congo and Betty White took home the Favorite TV Icon award. A full list of winners can be found here.

Red Carpet Fashion

 Stana Katic looked dreamy and elegant in this embellished gown by Carolina Herrera. The flawless look was 

Melissa McCarthy looked sleek and stunning in a chic pantsuit and jewelry by Forevermark.

Gabrielle Union  looked flawless in a glamorous deep v-neck gown.

Kristen Bell was gorgeous on the red carpet in Monique Lhuillier, and just a few weeks after giving birth to her daughter, Delta.

Red Carpet Pictures from Getty Images.

A more complete list of Red Carpet looks can be found here.